Storage Capacity
Over the course of 24 hours, there is one occasion before a
breastfeed when the breast volume is at its maximum,
indicating when the breast contains the most milk for the
24-hour period, or that the breast is as full as the baby
allows it to get during its normal breastfeeding pattern. At
another time during the 24 hours, the breast volume is at its
minimum, indicating when the breast contains the least milk
for the period, or that the breast is as fully drained as the
baby is able to or wishes to leave it. The difference between
the maximum and minimum breast volumes is attributed
solely to the milk in the breast. That is, when the breast is
at its maximum volume for the day, the storage capacity of
the breast dictates the amount of milk available to the baby.
Breastfeeding storage capacities in mothers who are exclusively
breastfeeding range from 81 to 606 mL.40 The
breastfeeding storage capacity is not necessarily unchangeable
for each mother. During extended lactation, as supplementary
feeds are introduced and milk production decreases,
the breastfeeding storage capacity decreases.41 An
unusually long interval between breastfeeds will result in
distension of the breast and more milk available to the baby.
This will result in a potential storage capacity that is larger
than the breastfeeding storage capacity